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Executive Coaching Executive Transition Coaching Leadership Transition

Imposter Syndrome in Leadership Transitions: Insights from Executive Coaching

Leadership transitions are complex. They often bring feelings of imposter syndrome. This is when leaders doubt their abilities when stepping into new roles or promotions. Left unchecked, imposter syndrome can cause new leaders to derail. Executive coaching can play a critical role in a leadership transition or onboarding program. In this blog, I will help you understand and manage such feelings based on 25 years of experience as an executive coach. 

Decoding Imposter Syndrome During Leadership Transitions

What is it?

Imposter Syndrome refers to feeling less competent than others believe you are. Even successful people can fear being exposed as a “fraud.” This fear is common during leadership transitions. People may believe their success is due to luck, not skill. This can intensify when taking on greater responsibilities. As an executive coach, I’ve seen imposter syndrome in both men and women. The good news? It can be managed with a few specific steps we’ll discuss below.

How does it show up during leadership transitions?

Imposter syndrome takes many forms. Leaders may hesitate to act decisively, fearing judgment. They may try to be perfect, working long hours. They may avoid new challenges fearing failure. These feelings may increase as their responsibilities grow. Here, executive coaching can aid. It helps leaders understand imposter syndrome, and cultivate confidence and assertiveness.

The Root Causes

Facing new challenges 

Imposter syndrome often surfaces during leadership transitions due to new challenges. A senior role brings broader and complex tasks. More stakeholders expect prompt results. Feeling unprepared for these duties can trigger self-doubt. Uncertain about task prioritization also increases imposter feelings. Executive coaching comes to the rescue here. It helps leaders break down their tasks, prioritize suitably, and instill confidence.

Handling high expectations

High expectations contribute to imposter syndrome stigmatization. When stepping up to a senior role, leaders feel the need to prove their worth. Pleasing colleagues, superiors, and subordinates who have their success vision is overwhelming. This can intensify failure fears. Leaders may then question their competencies. That’s where executive coaching assists. It helps leaders understand these stresses, set realistic goals, and establish their success criteria.

Unclear roles and authority

Ambiguity regarding one’s new role and its authority contributes to imposter syndrome. New leaders may feel uncertain about their decision-making limits. This can reduce confidence and feed into the imposter phenomenon. Executive coaching helps define clear roles and negotiation strategies as part of a leadership transition plan. 

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: An Executive Coaching Approach

Changing mindsets

To defeat imposter syndrome, leaders need to change their mindset. Executive coaching aids in recognizing and reframing self-doubting thoughts. Executive coaches often help leaders learn how to challenge the validity of these thoughts and identify self-empowering language to neutralize the negative self-talk. Leaders learn to see occasional doubt as part of growth. This cognitive restructuring transforms impostor feelings into motivation and passion.

Defining your role & authority

Executive coaching offers practical strategies for handling imposter syndrome. One such strategy is to clarify the leader’s role and their authority. By understanding their scope of responsibility, leaders can act decisively and confidently. This not only combats imposter feelings but also enhances effectiveness.

Establishing a support network

A sturdy support network is vital in overcoming imposter syndrome during a leadership transition. Coaches stress building relationships with mentors and peers – inside and outside the organization . A strong network can offer performance insights, celebrate successes, and recommend improvements. It validates a leader’s place and authority, creating trust and confidence.

Conclusion

Imposter syndrome is common in leadership transitions. But it’s not insurmountable. With the right guidance and support, leaders can manage self-doubt and thrive. As they say, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Executive coaching can help you beat imposter syndrome and excel in your roles.

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Dr. Kevin Nourse is an executive coach helping newly hired or promoted executives successfully navigate a transition and thrive. He founded Nourse Leadership Strategies, an executive and team coaching firm based in Palm Springs, CA. Kevin works with leaders and teams throughout California including Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Irvine, Orange County, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Sacramento.  Contact him at 442.420.5578 (call or text) or kevin@nourseleadership.com

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Executive Coaching Leadership Development Negotiation Videos

Executive Coaching Toolkit: Negotiation

Negotiation Skills

As an executive coach helping managers advance in their careers, I have found that negotiation is one of the most critical competencies. Negotiation skills are an essential leadership development topic because they enable leaders to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, resolve conflicts, make informed decisions, build relationships, and achieve their organizational goals effectively. Strong negotiation skills can enhance a leader’s ability to lead, influence, and succeed in various leadership roles and contexts.

A number of my executive coaching clients often ask me for resources on different leadership competencies. Therefore, I have identified eight YouTube videos by notable negotiation experts addressing various aspects of improving your negotiation skills.

  • The Art & Brain Science of Negotiation by Laurel Bellows and Donna Marino
  • Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson (Animated Book Review)
  • Getting More by Stuart Diamond (Five Minute Mastermind)
  • The Art of Negotiation: Six must-have strategies by Gillian Ku
  • Getting What You Want by Margaret Neale
  • The Art of Negotiation by Maria Ploumaki
  • Negotiation Skills Top 10 Tips by Antony Staff
  • Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

The Art & Brain Science of Negotiation by Laurel Bellows and Donna Marino

This audio recording from the CAP STRAT Women’s Forum explores the psychological aspects of negotiation, providing insights on human behavior and decision-making during negotiations. Dr. Marino addresses the psychological brain response to each step and solutions for overcoming fear, self-sabotage, and other physiological responses that interfere with effective negotiation.

Secrets of Power Negotiating by Roger Dawson (Animated Book Review)

This animated book review of Roger Dawson’s work, Secrets of Power Negotiating, explores flinching on proposals (asking for more than you want), bracketing (exploring the settlement range of what you want and what your negotiation partner wants to pay), and splitting the difference (never!). 

Getting More by Stuart Diamond (Five Minute Mastermind)

Stuart Diamond, a negotiation expert, explains in this video the strategies and principles behind successful negotiations in both professional and personal life including: essential strategies, including embracing diverse perspectives, cultivating trustworthiness, mastering the art of preparation, harnessing emotional intelligence, adopting a flexible mindset, conquering with incremental success, communicating with impact, and pursuing mutual wins.

The Art of Negotiation: Six must-have strategies by Gillian Ku

A short and informative video that provides a quick overview of key negotiation principles and strategies including six interpersonal principles of how we interact with people that affect one’s ability to influence and persuade others including reciprocity, commitment and consistency, and authority. A number of my executive coaching clients often seek to develop both influence and negotiation skills to advance their goals.

Getting What You Want by Margaret Neale

In this video, Neale explores negotiation through the lens of problem solving. The goal is not to get a deal; the goal is to get a good deal. Three questions to prepare women to enter a negotiation: Why are you asking? How are you asking? For whom are you asking?

The Art of Negotiation by Maria Ploumaki

Ploumaki describes negotiation through three frames: logic, emotion and reputation. She emphasizes three practical tips on how to think and interact during a negotiation including resilience, kindness, and managing our reactions during negotiations. Many of my executive coaching clients have transformed their leadership effectiveness by developing their emotional intelligence – an essential skill for managing ones’ reactions during stressful negotiations.

Negotiation Skills Top 10 Tips by Antony Staff

This video offers practical advice on negotiation techniques and how to achieve better outcomes using 10 key strategies:

  1. Don’t negotiate unless you need to
  2. Don’t negotiate with yourself
  3. Never accept the first offer
  4. Never make the first offer
  5. Listen more and talk less
  6. No free gifts
  7. Watch out for the salami effect
  8. Avoid the rookies regret
  9. Never make a quick deal
  10. Never disclose your bottom line

Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

How do FBI hostage negotiators never split the difference? Can you use the same techniques? Chris Voss draws upon his 24-year career with the FBI to show you in this video how to use tactical empathy with the “bad, the mad and the sad” in your daily life to never split the difference and still have great relationships.

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Dr. Kevin Nourse is an executive coach helping newly hired or promoted executives thrive. He founded Nourse Leadership Strategies, an executive and team coaching firm based in Palm Springs, CA. Kevin works with leaders and teams throughout California including Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Irvine, Orange County, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Sacramento.  Contact him at 442.420.5578 (call or text) or kevin@nourseleadership.com

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Executive Coaching Leadership Development Strategic Planning Strategic Thinking Videos

Executive Coaching Toolkit: Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking

Executive coaching is a powerful form of leadership development that focuses on helping leaders learn and develop to advance their leadership careers. As a coach, I have found that strategic thinking is one of the most critical competencies. Strategic thinking is vital for emerging leaders because it enables them to navigate the complexities of their roles, make informed decisions, and lead their organizations toward success in a dynamic and competitive environment. It helps leaders chart a clear course for the future and effectively allocate resources, all while fostering innovation and adaptability within their teams.

A number of my executive coaching clients often ask me for resources on different leadership development competencies. Therefore, I have identified teen YouTube videos by notable negotiation experts addressing various aspects of improving your strategic planning skills:

  • Mastering the Art of Strategy with Richard Rumelt
  • Blue Open Strategy with Harvard Business Review
  • Effective Business Strategy with A.G. Lafley
  • The Biggest Mistake I See: Strategy First, Urgency Second with John Kotter
  • Mintzberg’s 5 P’s Of Strategy in 2 Minutes with European Graduate School of Management
  • Ansoff Matrix Approach to Business Strategy with Igor Ansoff
  • Disruptive Strategy with Clayton Christensen
  • Dynamic Strategy and the End of Competitive Advantage with Rita McGrath
  • Strategic Planning & Strategic Innovation with Gary Hamel
  • Aligning Strategy & Project Management with Michael Porter

Mastering the Art of Strategy with Richard Rumelt

Richard Rumelt, discusses the importance and rarity of true strategy in organizations. Rumelt advocates for a challenge-based approach to strategy, where organizations identify and overcome the most critical and addressable challenges. He emphasizes the need for companies to break free from habitual thinking and engage in honest conversations about their challenges. Rumelt also touches on the difficulties of resource allocation in organizations and the importance of empowering individuals to drive innovation within the company.

Blue Ocean Strategy with Harvard Business Review

In this video, Cirque du Soleil is the focus of the exploration of the Blue Ocean Strategy. The theory suggests that the business world consists of two types of markets: red and blue oceans. Red oceans represent existing industries with fierce competition, while blue oceans are unknown markets where leaders must create demand. Cirque du Soleil created a blue ocean by blurring the lines between circus and theater, attracting a new customer base willing to pay premium prices.

Effective Business Strategy with A.G. Lafley

In this video, A.G. Lafley, former CEO of Procter & Gamble, discusses the fundamental principles of effective business strategy. He emphasizes that successful strategies focus on winning in a specific market with a particular group of customers or consumers. He suggests that many organizations need a clear plan or have flawed strategies by trying to cater to everyone instead of making focused choices on where to play and how to win. Lafley believes that regardless of the industry or company size, creating and retaining loyal customers is the ultimate measure of success. I have heard numerous stories from my executive coaching clients about their frustrations with the lack of focus in their strategic plan and attempts to be all things to all of their clients.

The Biggest Mistake I See: Strategy First, Urgency Second

In this video, Kotter addresses a common misconception in organizations regarding implementing change. They point out that many believe the first step is data gathering, analysis, and creating a new strategy before getting approval and executing it. While this approach works well for small to medium changes, it must catch up when making significant changes. To achieve substantial progress, a large number of motivated individuals must be involved, and the process should engage both the head and the heart.

Mintzberg’s 5 P’s of Strategy with the European Graduate School

In this short and sweet video, the speaker explores Henry Mintzberg’s 5 P’s of strategy, providing different viewpoints for decision-making in strategy: 

  • Plan refers to the purpose and intended destination of the strategy.
  • Ploy relates to specific tactics used to outsmart competitors. 
  • Pattern encompasses the behaviors and actions taken regularly based on past successes. 
  • Position identifies where a company stands concerning its direct competitors on the playing field. 
  • Perspective focuses on internal culture and collective thinking.

Ansoff Matrix for Business Strategy & Growth with Igor Ansoff

This video introduces the concept of the Ansoff Matrix in a simple and easy-to-understand way. The Ansoff Matrix is a popular business model used for devising growth strategies for a business. It consists of four quadrants plotted across an X and Y axis, with the X-axis representing existing products and new products and the Y-axis representing existing markets and new markets. The four strategies identified in the matrix are market penetration, product development, market development, and diversification, each with varying levels of risk.

Disruptive Strategy with Clayton Christensen

Christensen discusses the disruptive strategy employed in reimagining online education. The aim is to create an immersive and engaging platform that offers an interactive experience. By utilizing the theory of innovation, companies can understand customer needs and develop products that effectively meet those needs. Through real-life case studies and interactive features, learners can apply these concepts and gain a deeper understanding of how they work in a business context.

Dynamic Strategy and the End of Competitive Advantage with Rita McGrath

McGrath discusses the concept of the end of competitive advantage in this video and how it is shifting the way we think about strategy. She explains that in today’s transient advantage economy, sustainable competitive advantage is rare and that organizations are now dealing with temporary benefits. McGrath tells a story about Fujifilm and Kodak to illustrate this point, highlighting how Fujifilm could adapt to the changing market and thrive while Kodak struggled and eventually went bankrupt. She introduces the idea of competing in arenas, where organizations contest a pot of addressable resources, and emphasizes the importance of continuous reconfiguration, healthy disengagement, deft resource allocation, and innovation in this dynamic environment.

Strategic Planning & Innovation with Gary Hamel

Gary Hamel, an expert on strategy and innovation, argues in this video that traditional strategic planning is becoming obsolete. He suggests that most organizations focus too heavily on planning rather than creating new strategic options, resulting in a need for more exciting ideas. Hamel suggests that leaders should act as strategy editors, selecting the most promising ideas from a bottom-up approach. He highlights the importance of thinking about the business holistically, considering advantages, leverage, increasing returns, network effects, and capabilities. Hamel discusses a case study with Adidas and how thousands of employees were trained to think like innovators and created numerous strategic opportunities. Hamel’s bottom line: discovering strategy needs to be open and bottom-up while making selective choices based on advantages and potential returns. His conclusion is shared by many of my executive coaching clients who discover the power of empowering their teams with skills in strategic thinking and innovation.

Aligning Strategy & Project Management with Michael E. Porter

Harvard Professor and former aerospace engineer, Michael Porter, discusses in this video the importance of aligning strategy and project management within an organization. Porter argues that projects are embedded in a strategy and if strategies aren’t clearly considered, how can the necessary project specifications be determined? 

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Dr. Kevin Nourse is an executive coach helping newly hired or promoted executives thrive. He founded Nourse Leadership Strategies, an executive and team coaching firm based in Palm Springs, CA. Kevin works with leaders and teams throughout California including Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Irvine, Orange County, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Sacramento.  Contact him at 442.420.5578 (call or text) or kevin@nourseleadership.com

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Executive Coaching Leadership

Executive Coaching: 5 Issues to Consider

Negotiation Skills

In today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving business world, executive coaching is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for individual and team development. It is an opportunity to tap into the expertise of an experienced professional to help leaders at all levels improve their performance and drive business results. However, not all executive coaches are created equal, and finding the right coach can be challenging. This blog post offers five critical issues to consider when engaging an executive coach.

Define your coaching goals

Before engaging an executive coach, it’s essential to define your coaching goals. What do you want to accomplish? It could be anything from developing leadership skills to improving communication, enhancing decision-making abilities, or managing a difficult team member. Having clear goals will help you select an executive coach with the right background and experience to meet your specific needs.

Check the coach’s credentials and experience

When selecting an executive coach, it’s crucial to check the coach’s credentials and background thoroughly. Look for coaches who have certifications from reputable organizations such as the International Coach Federation and who have worked with clients in a similar industry or organizational setting to yours. Experienced coaches can provide real-life examples of how they’ve helped others overcome challenges like what you’re facing.

Get references

Feel free to ask for references from the executive coach. Talking to previous clients can give you first-hand insight into the coach’s style, effectiveness, and success. A reputable coach will have no problem sharing references or posting client testimonials on their website.

Consider the coach’s coaching style

Executive coaches have different coaching styles, and it’s essential to find a coach whose style resonates with you. Some coaches are directive, while others are more facilitative or collaborative. You want a coach who can challenge you and is supportive and encouraging. You also want a coach who can adapt their style to meet your needs.

Set expectations upfront

Finally, it’s essential to set expectations upfront with your chosen executive coach. Discuss what you hope to achieve through coaching, how you will measure success, and how often you will meet. Both you and the coach must be clear on what you hope to accomplish and how you will work together throughout the process.

In conclusion, engaging an executive coach can be a powerful tool for driving personal and organizational performance. By choosing the right coach and establishing clear goals and expectations upfront, you can maximize the impact of the coaching engagement. Remember to check the coach’s credentials, get references, consider the coaching style, and set expectations upfront. By taking these steps, you can ensure a successful and rewarding coaching experience for yourself or your team members.

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Dr. Kevin Nourse is an executive coach helping newly hired or promoted executives thrive. He founded Nourse Leadership Strategies, an executive and team coaching firm based in Palm Springs, CA. Kevin works with leaders and teams throughout California including Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Irvine, Orange County, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and Sacramento.  Contact him at 442.420.5578 (call or text) or kevin@nourseleadership.com

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Executive Coaching

Executive Coaching in Los Angeles

strengths and weaknesses

Being an executive or leader comes with its unique pressures and challenges. Therefore, it’s important to adopt strategies for self-improvement that recognize these demands and help you continue to thrive. Executive coaching is one such strategy that has been gaining popularity among leaders in Los Angeles looking for more effective ways to maximize their potential while propelling their careers toward success.

 

There are five ways we help our coaching clients: (1) accountability and support, (2) increased self-awareness, (3) developing new skills, (4) building better relationships, and (5) achieving and sustaining peak performance.

Accountability and Support

Executive coaching provides leaders with accountability and support they might not have otherwise. As certified coaches, we are objective and non-judgmental, allowing leaders to share their challenges and receive honest feedback. We also help leaders focus on their goals, providing support and encouragement – including challenging them to take action.

Increased Self-Awareness

One of the primary benefits of executive coaching is increased self-awareness. When our clients work with us, they better understand their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This awareness can be a powerful tool, as it helps leaders adjust their behaviors and make more informed decisions.

Developing New Skills

We help leaders develop new skills through coaching sessions and providing resources and tools for self-improvement. Whether it’s developing communication skills, navigating a setback, learning new strategies for conflict resolution, or managing stress and burnout, or recovering from a setback, we help leaders acquire the skills they need to succeed.

Building Better Relationships

Leadership is all about relationships, and executive coaching can help leaders build better relationships with their teams, colleagues, and stakeholders. We can help our clients improve their communication skills, understand different personality types and communication styles, and develop conflict resolution strategies. Leaders can create a more positive and productive work environment by building better relationships.

Achieving and Sustaining Peak Performance

Ultimately, executive coaching helps leaders achieve peak performance. By gaining self-awareness, developing new skills, building better relationships, and receiving accountability and support, leaders can reach their full potential and make a meaningful and sustained impact in their organization.

Executive coaching is a valuable resource for leaders in Los Angeles committed to improving their skills and maximizing their potential. By providing accountability and support, increasing self-awareness, developing new skills, building better relationships, and helping leaders achieve peak performance, executive coaching can significantly impact individual leaders and their organizations.

If you’re a senior executive or leader looking to improve your skills, contact us at 442-420-5578 or kevin@nourseleadership.com, and let’s explore a possible coaching relationship.

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Dr. Kevin Nourse is an executive transition coach helping newly hired or promoted executives thrive. He founded Nourse Leadership Strategies, an executive and team coaching firm based in Southern California.